Bulgaria is famous. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a European country with a rich cultural heritage, warm sea, sandy beaches and picturesque mountain peaks. The mild climate makes it pleasant to relax here almost at any time of the year. And let the winter sandy beaches not so attractive, but ski resorts are able to give a good rest, both for lovers of active pastime and connoisseurs of natural beauties. More and more often, our compatriots associate Bulgaria with an inexpensive, but high-quality vacation.

Separately, it is worth talking about Bulgarian cuisine. Traditional cooking recipes here have their own unique national flavor. The presence of a large number of vegetables, fragrant spices and seasonings, fruits and cereals - without all this, it is impossible to imagine the traditional dishes of Bulgarian cuisine. In addition to sweet desserts, sheep's cheese with a glass of red wine is served as an appetizer.

There are many small private wineries in Bulgaria. Today there is even such a thing as wine tourism. Depending on the region you choose, you will be able to taste one or another type of wine. For example, on the coast there are good conditions for the growth of white grapes, and in the south of Bulgaria the Mavrud variety takes root better. Developed infrastructure, high level of service, the presence of a large number of architectural monuments attract more and more tourists to this country every year. Most vacationers want to combine business with pleasure: boat trips and swimming in the sea with visiting interesting places. Bulgaria in this regard is simply an ideal option.

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What to see in Bulgaria?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.

1. Seven Rila Lakes

The Rila Lakes are located in the northwestern part of the mountain range of the same name. You can get to them by lift. The walking tour will take you much longer. When you reach the end point of your journey, an unforgettable picture of its beauty will open before you: glacial lakes with crystal clear water against the backdrop of mountain peaks soaring into the sky.

2. Fortress and rocks of Belogradchik

Both people and nature have worked on this piece of land. The first defensive fortifications began to be built here in the days of the Roman Empire. Nature here has created, perhaps, the most unusual mountain range. Bizarrely shaped rocks eventually got their own names and became overgrown with legends.

3. Rozhen Monastery

This monastery is located at the foot of the Pirian mountains. Stained-glass windows and frescoes, ancient iconostases and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary have survived to this day and delight the eye of both believers and just tourists. There is no pretentiousness and pomposity in the architectural design of the monastery. The entire monastery complex fascinates with the simplicity of its lines and the elegance of its architectural composition.

4. Thracian tomb in Kazanlak

Funerary decorations and other details of the burial have not survived to this day. But the frescoes, amazing in their beauty, have been preserved. Their value is simply enormous, because they date back to the 4th century BC. The Thracian tomb is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, so an exact copy of it was created for tourists.

5. Rotunda of St. George, Sofia

This early Christian church has a very unusual history. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, during the Turkish rule, it was converted into a mosque, and only at the end of the 19th century, the Rotunda of St. George again became a Christian church. They even managed to restore the frescoes on the walls and the dome of the building. Today, worship services are held here, as before, and there is also a museum.

6. The village of Shiroka-Lyka

Beautiful two-story houses with bay windows and wooden stairs, paved streets, graceful bridges with wooden railings - all this resembles the scenery for an old movie. Here they are kind to their customs and folklore. The village is located on the territory of an architectural reserve. There is also an ethnographic museum and many other places associated with the Bulgarian Renaissance.

7. Rose Valley

Millions of roses. Every woman dreams, if not to receive as a gift, then at least to see such a sea of ​​flowers at once. If you visit the valley near the Tundzha River, you will have the opportunity to enjoy this unforgettable sight, and the exquisite aroma of a thousand flowers will turn your head. You will definitely want to come back here again and again.

8. Vitosha mountain range

The mountain slope, covered with coniferous forests, is an ideal place for hiking in summer, autumn and spring. With the advent of winter, Vitosha is covered with snow, and becomes a place of pilgrimage for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. Ski resorts, affordable prices and good service attract a fairly large number of tourists here.

9. Fortress Tsarevets

No wonder this fortress was the residence of the Bulgarian kings. The entire architectural ensemble of this building literally "screams" of wealth and grandeur. In addition, this place is literally covered with many legends and fairy tales. It must be seen with your own eyes. No photographs can convey the globality and monumentality of this architectural monument.

10. Baba Vida Fortress

The fortress museum of Baba Vida stands on the banks of the Danube. Many events in the history of Bulgaria are closely connected with this architectural monument. Today, special theatrical performances are organized for tourists and vacationers on the territory of the fortress. Before your eyes, the distant past will come to life, you will get to know the life and culture of this country in more detail, and just get aesthetic pleasure from the performance you have watched.

11. Ruins of ancient Pliska

On the territory of the ancient settlement of Pliska, a historical and archaeological reserve has been created today. In the distant past, the capital of Danube Bulgaria was located here. To date, some of the buildings have been successfully reconstructed. The best preserved remains of the ancient palace belonging to Khan Omurtag.

12. Summer residence of Queen Mary "Quiet Nest"

The residence of Queen Mary was built specifically for this crowned person. The architecture of the palace ensemble successfully combines elements of European and Arabic styles. Its terrace offers a beautiful view of the azure expanse of the sea, mountain ranges and the botanical garden.

13. Boyana Church

It is not for nothing that the Boyanka Church was included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. A unique medieval painting dating back to 1259 has been preserved on its walls. Images of saints are striking in their realism and detail. The artistic and historical value of these murals can hardly be overestimated.

14. Sozopol Old Town

This ancient town, in addition to the beauties of nature, pleases the eye with numerous architectural monuments and ancient temples. The historical center of Sozopol has been declared an architectural reserve. In the modern part of the city, the infrastructure is well developed, there are many hotels, cafes and restaurants.

15. Temple-monument of Alexander Nevsky

The Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky is the second largest Orthodox church in Bulgaria. Its wall paintings include 273 handwritten frescoes. In the decoration of the temple, you can see unique Orthodox icons made by famous Russian masters.

16. Old Nessebar

This city has something to surprise both experienced travelers and beginners. Many architectural monuments here date back to the period of prosperity of the Byzantine Empire. In the list of the most famous and visited places of Old Nessebar Archaeological Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Church of St. Stephen. The favorable geographical location attracts crowds of tourists here.

17. Rila Monastery

It is difficult to convey in words all the beauty and grandeur of this monastery complex. Carved iconostases, murals by famous artists of that time, ancient icons and unique architecture make this monastery a pearl of world architecture. This male monastery is still active today, occupying a territory with a total area of ​​​​about 8800 sq.m.

18. City Museum Melnik

And this city has everything that Bulgaria can boast of: the sea, beaches, wine of its own production, countless architectural monuments, temples and museums. Many famous artists, writers and cultural figures of the Bulgarian Renaissance lived and worked in Melnik.

19. Perperikon

Most precisely, this archaeological complex of the Middle Ages can be characterized in one word "monumentality". According to legend, this is where the tomb of Orpheus is located. There was also a temple dedicated to the god Dionysius. Perperikon - ancient city. He still keeps many secrets and secrets from prying eyes.

20. Dzhumaya Mosque in Plovdiv

The Dzhumaya Mosque is admired by all tourists, regardless of religion. First of all, the artistic design of the external facade and internal walls of the building attracts attention. Decorations on the outer façade are not too noticeable, but inside the mosque is elegant, and the painting stylized with floral ornaments makes an unforgettable impression.

Bulgaria is an amazingly multifaceted country: here you will find sunny beaches of seaside resorts, snow-covered ski slopes, picturesque natural parks, ancient monuments, delicious cuisine and excellent opportunities for improving the health of adults and children. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and the prices, which is important, are quite affordable - not at all European.

The country is located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. From the east it is washed by the Black Sea: the length of the sea coast here is 400 kilometers. Bulgaria's southern neighbors are Greece and Turkey, in the west the country borders with Serbia and North Macedonia, and in the north with Romania.

Bulgaria has always been a crossroads from Europe to the Middle East and Asia, and therefore, in all historical periods, it was of interest to neighboring peoples who left traces of their presence on Bulgarian soil. There are the graves of the Thracian kings, the theaters of the ancient Greeks, the ancient Roman stadiums, medieval castles kings of the First and Second Bulgarian kingdoms, Ottoman mosques, etc. On the territory of present-day Bulgaria there are nine sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The natural landscape of Bulgaria is very diverse. So, the Balkan Mountains stretched across the entire territory of the country: from the farthest northwestern regions to the Black Sea coast. Mountains and river valleys occupy almost all the western and southern regions of the country. The highest peak in Bulgaria and throughout Eastern Europe is Mount Musala (2,925 meters above sea level), rising on the Rila ridge. In the south of the country there are lowlands and the low mountains of Strandzha and Sakar, in the north the territory is low-lying, and in the east there is the Black Sea coast.

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From a tourist point of view, modern Bulgaria is a diverse country that will appeal to lovers of several holiday destinations. In our guide to Bulgaria we will tell you about the best beach and ski resorts, about the main sights, about the most delicious dishes of local cuisine. The time spent in Bulgaria will surely be remembered by its guests, because, according to local residents, their country is a paradise, an old Bulgarian legend tells about this: “When God gave the peoples of the world their lands, he forgot about the Bulgarians. There was no free land left for them. And then he gave the Bulgarians a piece of paradise.”

How to get there

You can get to Bulgaria by a variety of modes of transport - by air, by land and by water.

Airplane

Airplane is the most convenient way to get to Bulgaria. The country has four airports: in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna. Most regular flights are made to the air harbor of Sofia, and charters fly to Varna and Burgas, located on the coast, in summer.

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Story

People settled on the territory of Bulgaria since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous burial mounds, burial grounds and settlements found by scientists.

Pre-Slavic period

Cities and regions

There are several options for dividing Bulgaria into regions.

For example, administratively the country consists of 28 regions, which, in turn, are divided into 264 communities. The names of communities and regions correspond to the names of the cities that are their administrative centers: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, Gabrovo, etc.

In accordance with EU Regulation No. 1059/2003, the territory of Bulgaria is divided into two regions of the first order and six regions of the second order. They are not administrative-territorial units and are created only for EU statistical purposes. These two regions are Northern and South-Eastern Bulgaria and South-Western and South-Central Bulgaria.

Tourists will also be interested in another division of the country into regions related to geography, climate and recreational opportunities.

Black sea coast

Most tourists go to Bulgaria for the sea and the sun, so the Black Sea coast of the country, 350 kilometers long, is the most popular region. It is here that the famous Bulgarian resorts are located, which are considered among the best in Europe. In summer, they offer excellent conditions for recreation for every taste and budget. The history of most cities and villages located on the coast goes back to the times of Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire - this is evidenced by archaeological sites that are literally at every step.

The coast of Bulgaria is divided into southern and northern parts by the Stara Planina mountain range and Cape Emine. The unofficial capital of the northern part is Varna, and the southern one is Burgas.

One of the most historically interesting resorts in Bulgaria - Nessebar, founded in the XII - XI centuries BC. e. Its old town, picturesquely located on a small rocky promontory, surrounded by the sea on all sides, is so full of sights that it is fully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Not far from Nessebar there is another Bulgarian resort - Pomorie founded in the 4th century BC. e. Today it is a well-known balneological center with its own healing mud, which is famous for its beaches covered with volcanic sand. Here it is worth seeing the Antique domed tomb, the Pomorie Historical Museum and the Salt Museum, Salt Lake and the reserve "Old houses of Pomorie".

Central part of Bulgaria

The central region of Bulgaria in the north along the Danube River borders on Romania, in the south - on Greece and Turkey. The Balkan Mountains, also known as the Stara Planina, divide this region in half, being the longest and largest mountain range in the country. It was the Balkan Mountains that gave the name to the entire Balkan Peninsula.

This area is part of the larger historical and geographical region of Thrace and is replete with historical monuments of that period. For example, the Panagyursky treasure is one of the most famous artifacts of the Thracian culture, or the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak of the 4th century BC. e. - UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to watch

Yes, tourists must see Old town of Nessebar. Nessebar (Nesebar) is one of the oldest European cities and probably the most beautiful city in Bulgaria. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it is located on a peninsula 850 meters long, connected to the mainland by a 400-meter isthmus. It is here that the old city center is located, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, and since 1956 it has been a museum city. Almost 50 churches and other historical monuments are concentrated on the territory of the old center, among them - Fortress walls, Byzantine baths, churches of St. John the Baptist, St. Sophia, Christ Almighty, etc.

Also, tourists in Nessebar can see a part of the city that went under water several centuries ago - it is clearly visible from the shore in clear weather.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Leisure

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in Bulgaria

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Bulgaria in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Most often, tourists go to Bulgaria for a beach holiday, recreation and skiing, but in addition to this, the country has a lot of different types of pastime: diving, ecotourism, horseback riding, and cycling.

beach holiday

Bulgaria is famous for its beach holidays; local seaside resorts are considered among the best in Europe. They are especially suitable for families with children: the beaches are well equipped, covered with fine golden sand, the entry into the sea is gentle, the water is warm, there are no serious storms and there are almost no strong currents. Many Bulgarian beaches are marked with the European mark of ecological cleanliness - Blue Flags.

At the same time, some beaches are dotted with darker sand - this means that there is a lot of iron in it, and this composition has healing properties. For example, the beach areas of Pomorie are distinguished by dark sand, next to which there are a number of balneological health resorts. And the widest beaches in Bulgaria are in the Albena resort: up to 150 meters wide.

At the same time, there are a few pebble beaches on the Bulgarian coast. They are located in the area of ​​Nessebar and Sozopol, and, as a rule, they are “wild”, not equipped. On some rocky shores, special concrete platforms are created for tourists.

Ski holidays

Ski resorts in Bulgaria are known throughout Europe for their high level of service and affordable prices.

The skiing season here usually lasts from November to March, and sometimes until early April. During this period, tourists have every chance to catch good snowy weather. At the same time, almost all ski resorts in the country are equipped with snow cannons - in case a thaw suddenly occurs in the middle of winter.

In general, the infrastructure of the ski resorts in Bulgaria is highly developed and deserves every praise, as well as the picturesque nature, in the bosom of which there are winter centers.

Ski resorts are located in the highest Bulgarian mountains - on the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila ranges, at an altitude of 900 - 2,600 meters. Almost all of them are suitable for skiers with different levels of training, having slopes of all categories of difficulty. Ski schools operate on the territory of the complexes.

Ecotourism

Bulgaria is famous for its national parks, there are eleven of them in the country. These places are exceptionally suitable for ecotourism.

For example, the Rila National Park is very popular with tourists, on the territory of which the famous Rila Monastery, “Bulgarian Jerusalem”, and the unique natural attraction Seven Rila Lakes are located. The park was equipped with a zone for intensive tourism, where they created trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding, recreation centers, etc.

Another famous national park- Pirin, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was founded in 1952 to preserve its unique ecosystem. There are picturesque glacial lakes, karst caves, fir and beech forests, the age of individual trees in which reaches five hundred years.

Among the most unusual national parks in Bulgaria is the Belogradchik Rocks park, located near the borders with Serbia and Romania, near the city of Belogradchik. Here is a unique fortress of the same name, the largest in Bulgaria and probably the most unusual: its bizarre shape is explained by the fact that the man-made structures were inscribed in the already existing rock formations.

The oldest national park in Bulgaria is located on Mount Vitosha near Sofia. It was founded in 1934 to preserve the local unique pine forest. Today, the park is one of the favorite places for recreation for residents and guests of Sofia - it is called the "lungs of the capital", and also the "roof of Sofia". There are a lot of tourist centers and rest houses, there are cable cars and hiking trails.

You can read about other protected areas in Bulgaria in the section Reserves.

Other active recreation

In addition to hiking in the national parks of Bulgaria, this country has something to offer tourists. For example, the most popular among guests are horse tours. This journey will be less tiring than hiking, and communication with horses will bring a lot of positive emotions. Horse routes are offered in almost all mountainous regions of the country - in the Balkan Mountains, in the north of Stara Planina, etc., and on the coast. For example, the famous riding club works in Albena.

Another popular type of active pastime is bike tours. The mild climate of Bulgaria and comfortable weather make this way of traveling around the country very pleasant. Tourists go to bike routes not only in national parks, but throughout the country to see as many interesting places as possible at once. You can rent a bike in almost any hotel in the resorts of Bulgaria.

Recently, the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria has been actively developing diving. So, the largest dive center in the country is located in Nessebar, at the old pier. Despite the fact that the underwater world off the Bulgarian coast is not as picturesque as, for example, in Egypt or the Maldives, there are a number of interesting places for diving - wrecks (wrecks) and ancient cities that have long gone under water.

Health tourism

Bulgaria is a well-known European destination for health tourism. There are at least five hundred springs with healing mineral water, on which hospitals and sanatoriums are built. All of them are equipped with the latest medical technology and are staffed by experienced professionals.

At the same time, medical tourism is also developed in Bulgaria. There are medical centers specializing in the treatment of various diseases and rehabilitation programs in almost all seaside resorts. The big plus of local clinics is the absence of a language barrier for Russians and affordable prices by European standards.

Event tourism

During the year in Bulgaria passes. Firstly, tourists can catch religious holidays, like Orthodox Christmas or Easter. Secondly, at the end of May - beginning of June, a traditional rose festival dedicated to the main folk craft - the cultivation of oil-bearing roses.

If you plan to visit Balchik in August, you can get to Sea Festival. Its dates change from year to year, they should be specified on the event website.

Connection

mobile connection

Currently, mobile communications in Bulgaria are represented by three operators:

• A1 (formerly M-Tel)
• Vivacom
• Telenor

SIM cards are sold at the offices of these operators in every Bulgarian city and at all airports. The purchase procedure is simple, but foreigners will need a passport for registration.

Each operator has tariffs with and without a monthly fee. With a monthly fee, minutes of conversation are cheaper, but the contract will have to be concluded for at least a year. Tourists for short trips are more suitable for prepaid tariffs (“prepaid packages”), moreover, operators Telenor and Vivacom, as they are much cheaper than A1, the oldest mobile company in Bulgaria. Remember that the validity of the SIM card is automatically extended for a year from the date of the last recharge.

The cost of outgoing calls to Russia per minute is on average from 0.37 leva to 0.72 leva. Cards are replenished with vouchers of 5, 6, 10 and 20 levs.

The coverage of Bulgarian mobile operators is more or less the same. Communication in all major cities and on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is good and stable.

Internet

As for the mobile Internet, Bulgaria is completely covered by at least 3G communication, and in all cities and resorts there is a stable 4G signal.

Mobile communication, although relatively expensive, is popular with tourists. Basically, these are prepaid tariffs for a certain number of megabytes for a certain period. For example, Vivacom has an Easy Traffic package for 30 days, which includes 20,000 MB of Internet, it costs 20 leva (about 10 euros).

Wi-Fi networks available in public areas major cities: at stations, in city squares. Hotels of 4-5 * categories provide guests with free Wi-Fi, in hotels of a lower star rating they may charge a fee for connecting to the Internet. In addition, you can “catch” Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria.

Buses operating on intercity lines are also equipped with free Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Bulgarian fairy tale says that when God is in a good mood, he paints the world with three colors - yellow, blue and green. Undoubtedly, the country of Bulgaria is one of the masterpieces of the Almighty, here there is an abundance of all three colors. Blue sea and cloudless sky, endless yellow sandy beaches. And how much greenery in Bulgaria!

Another Bulgarian fairy tale tells that when God distributed natural treasures to people, the Bulgarians came last. They were very busy, because they worked hard, and they got nothing. (You can also add that the Bulgarians are very slow by nature.) God praised the Bulgarians for their diligence and gave them a little bit of everything from paradise.

Beautiful stories that are very similar to the truth. Bulgaria - real paradise corner of our planet!

Bulgaria is located on the Balkan Peninsula and borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south. But historians say that Bulgaria is the only country in the world that borders itself on all sides. The country lost a lot of its lands as a result of the aggressive wars of its neighbors. This fact only confirms the idea that Bulgaria is a real paradise on Earth, which many dreamed of owning, as well as the fact that the Bulgarians are peace-loving and good-natured people.

Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe where such a variety of natural landscapes can be found. About 30% of the country's territory is occupied by plains, also 30% falls on mountain ranges, and the rest is foothills. The Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), Rhodope, Rila and Pirin create Bulgaria's reputation as a real mountain power.

Even if there is a completely flat landscape outside the car window, then there are mountain peaks on the horizon. The highest point in Bulgaria is Mount Musala, the height of the mountain is 2925 meters above sea level.

There are many rivers in Bulgaria, but they are all small and shallow (we do not take into account the spring period, when they can turn into giant streams and sweep away everything in their path.) Many rivers have reservoirs. The only navigable river that flows along the northern border of Bulgaria is the Danube. Mountain rivers are surrounded by canyons, some of them are equipped with ecological paths with bridges and stairs for tourists. There are hundreds of waterfalls in Bulgaria, the highest of which falls from a height of 124.5 meters.

260 lakes in Bulgaria, one more beautiful than the other.

Bulgaria is famous for its variety of summer and winter resorts. Holidays in this hospitable country attract tourists from all over Europe.

Bulgaria has magnificent sandy beaches; for cleanliness, they are awarded the famous "blue flag" from year to year. Healthy temperature conditions, low salinity of the water in the Black Sea, the absence of dangerous representatives of flora and fauna make the Bulgarian coast one of the most attractive places for recreation and permanent residence.

In winter, ski lovers are invited to the comfortable slopes of well-equipped resorts.

In modern Bulgaria, there are many cities that, in terms of comfort and service, can compete with the leading resorts in Europe. One of these places is the town and the largest yacht port on the Black Sea, Marina Dinevi.

In the mountainous regions of Bulgaria there are many healing and mineral springs. At the moment, there are officially 110 different resorts in the country. A network of 3 national parks, 10 natural parks and 97 nature reserves has been created. Bulgaria has 260 lakes and a huge number of small rivers. It is impossible to describe the air of Bulgaria, they need to breathe in order to understand how clean and fresh it can be!

Who in the world has not heard about the famous Bulgarian roses? There are few of these. But few people know about the fact that thousands of white swans hibernate on the coast of Bulgaria in winter! Swans from northern European countries and ... pensioners fly to Bulgaria for the winter.

For lovers of cultural values, Bulgaria offers to see a huge number of monuments. Of the 911 monuments of culture and natural phenomena under the protection of UNESCO, nine are located on the territory of Bulgaria.

The largest city in Bulgaria is the capital Sofia with a population of about 1,400,000. The second largest is Plovdiv, with a population of about 350,000. The third place went to the seaside capital of Varna, the number of inhabitants of Varna is approaching 350,000. The fourth place is Burgas with a population of 305,000 people.

The numbers make Muscovites smile. In general, not many people live in Bulgaria. Deer and bears often live in huge reserves on a considerable territory. In Bulgaria, they try not to build residential buildings higher than 5 floors - they save on elevators, and there are enough territories for building in this country. That, probably, is good for Bulgaria - the whole power of civilization has not yet reached here. small quiet cities, and a quiet quiet life in them.

But the most important wealth of the country is the Bulgarians themselves, amazingly cheerful and hospitable people. The country of Bulgaria is considered one of the poorest in the European Union, but this is fully compensated by the generosity of the Bulgarian soul and low prices for absolutely everything.

Bulgaria surprisingly carefully preserves its rich national traditions. On holidays, the streets and squares sound good and everyone from young to old dances! In Bulgaria, ancient monuments are at every step, they harmoniously coexist with modern resorts and hotels. Folk music sounds in restaurants, tourists who come to rest enthusiastically learn how to dance horo and go to the village to watch dancing on coals.

Sunny Bulgaria is not only the sea and mountains. We will tell you what else Bulgaria is famous for, what local objects are included in the UNESCO heritage list and.

Rose oil is what Bulgaria is known for far beyond the borders of the state itself. Based on rose oil, various types of cosmetics are created. Rose petal jam is also popular. Gather flowers in the Valley of Roses. It is spread between the mountain slopes in the area of ​​Kazanlak and Karlovo. 30 kilometers of fragrant blooming roses is an amazing sight in terms of beauty and aroma.

2. Lavender fields

They are not only in France! What Bulgaria is famous for is landscapes. And lavender fields with their delicate lilac colors are a wonderful decoration of the local landscape and a good backdrop for photographs. In addition, excellent cosmetics are made from lavender. Bulgarian lavender can be admired near Plovdiv and Pomorie.

3. Trojan pottery

Troyanska sharka is deservedly included in the list of what Bulgaria is known for. This ceramic painting technique is as original and recognizable as the Russian Gzhel or Khokhloma. The drawing is applied in the form of drops, and then a linear mixing of colors occurs. It is believed that this method of decorating ceramic products was created by the craftsmen of the city of Troyan.

Another regional craft, which over time has become a national treasure and what Bulgaria is famous for. The historical town of Chiprovtsi is home to amazingly beautiful carpets woven by hand in a special way. Kilims, as the locals call them, are distinguished by the brightness of their colors. Ancient Bulgarian patterns “bloom” on them. The Chiprovtsi carpets are included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

5. Sharena salt

A spice with a unique aroma that attracts tourists as a bright and practical souvenir. Includes several types of spices stacked in layers for a colorful look. Sharena salt usually consists of thyme, paprika, fenugreek and other herbs.

6. Dairy products

Speaking of what else Bulgaria is famous for, it’s hard not to mention the local yogurt and cheeses. The sour milk is closer in consistency to curdled milk, and its taste is very delicate and delicate. Among the cheeses, it is worth noting the brine cheese sirene and kashkaval - a semi-hard yellow cheese of medium salinity made from sheep's milk.

A charm, which is customary for Bulgarians to give each other at the beginning of spring. Weaved from red and white threads, it has a sacred meaning. Martenitsa is also included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

8. Nestinary

Walking barefoot on hot coals is probably the most impressive phenomenon that Bulgaria is known for. The closest thing to the art of nestinar is the phenomenon of Indian yogis who can lie on nails. At the same time, dancing on coals is one of the oldest Bulgarian traditions.

9. Bulgarian gaida (bagpipe)

The bagpipe is what Bulgaria is known for along with Scotland, as it is the national instrument in both countries. The Bulgarians call it gaida and use it in mass performances - an average of 50 to 100 pipers. By the way, in the Guinness Book, it is the Bulgarian record for the simultaneous playing of 333 bagpipes that is recorded.

10. Julia

One of the relatively new traditions that Bulgaria is known for. On the night of July 1, local youth gather on the beaches of the country and arrange parties with bonfires, guitar and electronic music until dawn. In recent years, the Julai festival has attracted guests from neighboring countries.

Notable people of Bulgaria

• Christo Botev. The national hero of the country, as well as one of its most famous poets.
• Elias Canetti. At the time of writing, he is the only famous person in Bulgaria who has received the Nobel Prize during the existence of the award. Writer and culturologist. Awarded in 1981 for the wealth of ideas and the artistic power of his works.
• Boris Hristov. Opera singer, considered one of the best basses of the famous La Scala stage and the greatest of the second half of the 20th century. He was remembered by the audience in the crown roles of Boris Godunov and Mephistopheles.
• Philip Kirkorov . One of the most popular pop singers in Russia is also included in the list of famous Bulgarian people among our compatriots. Born in Varna, has dual citizenship.
• Dimitar Berbatov. Football player, the best scorer in the history of the Bulgarian national team. Player of the English club "Manchester United" and the team "Tottenham", the German team "Bayer" and the Indian club "Kerala Blasters".
• Count Dracula (Prince Vlad Tepes). The list of famous people in Bulgaria has recently been supplemented by Count Vlad Tepes, who was the prototype of Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Recent studies have shown that he was probably of Bulgarian origin, not Romanian.

Bulgaria: make yourself at home!

​Perhaps, it is difficult to imagine a more welcoming and hospitable country than Bulgaria. Here they will always support the conversation, smile at the child, suggest where it is better to go. The almost complete absence of a language barrier helps to quickly establish contact and enjoy your vacation, day after day discovering new facets of this wonderful country. By the way, any season goes to Bulgaria: it is good both on a July day, when the sea sparkles in the sun, and on a January morning, when the snow glitters on the peaks ... It remains only to find out which Bulgaria is to your liking.

Beach

The main summer advantage of the country is its golden sandy beaches. In all resorts they are free and public, and you have to pay for the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas (with the exception of some hotels). The length of the beaches is 130 km, while there is a division into the northern coast (resorts of Varna, Albena, Golden Sands, St. Constantine and Elena) and the hotter south (Sunny Beach, Burgas, Sozopol, Nessebar).

Holidays with children in Bulgaria are ideal - a convenient shallow entrance to the sea is almost everywhere. The large resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are suitable for both families and youth companies - there are plenty of opportunities for active pastime and nightlife. Those who are looking for a relaxing holiday in Bulgaria will surely enjoy Sozopol, democratic Obzor, romantic Nessebar, cozy Tsarevo, as well as All Inclusive hotels in Albena.

Thanks to the unique mineral springs in the Black Sea resorts, there are opportunities for balneological treatment. Wellness baths, relaxation procedures, mud therapy, SPA procedures are waiting for you in first-class hotels in Pomorie, Burgas, Golden Sands, the resort of St. Constantine and Elena.

Climate

The main territory of Bulgaria has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Closer to the Black Sea, it turns into the Mediterranean, so it is always warmer here. In summer, the seaside resorts of Bulgaria will delight you with sunny days and temperatures in the region of 25-30°C. The swimming season starts in June and ends in September, the water temperature at this time is 22-28°C.

The weather in Bulgaria in winter depends on the region. If the coast at this time is damp and there are often storms, then in the mountains there is snow and many sunny days. The air temperature from December to February fluctuates in the mountains from 0 to -10 ° C, although jumps in one direction or another are not excluded.

Ski slopes

Winter resorts in Bulgaria are suitable for family tourists and skiers with different levels of skiing, while affordable prices and the hospitality of local residents make them one of the best options for active rest. The ski season lasts from early December to April.

There are three main skiing regions in the country - Borovets, Bansko, Pamporovo. Borovets is located at the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala, and its slopes (58 km) are located at an altitude of 1350-2560 m. This resort in Bulgaria is distinguished by attention to snowboarders: there is a snowboard park and 18 km of slopes for skiing on the board.

In Bansko, the total length of the slopes is 75 km, they are located at an altitude of 990-2600 m. Alpine skiing and snowboarding competitions are often held here, and this puts Bansko on a par with the best European resorts. Pamporovo, in turn, boasts a large number of sunny days. There are 37 km of slopes, as well as the best fan park in Bulgaria, which is supported at the state level.

Every resort has ski and snowboard lessons, and the ski school in Pamporovo is recognized as one of the best in Europe. Mineral springs near the resorts allow you to supplement winter holidays in Bulgaria with SPA treatments and wellness holidays and make it truly unforgettable.

Currency

Bulgarian Lev. If you are planning a holiday in Bulgaria, take the euro with you - it is more convenient to exchange this currency for leva. It is better to do this in banks, as exchange offices may charge additional fees, so check the final amount in advance. The resorts have ATMs, and many establishments accept bank cards for payment. But you can’t do without cash only: cash will be needed, for example, to leave a tip in a cafe (10% of the bill) or thank the hotel staff for the services (1-2 leva).

The shops

Resorts in Bulgaria offer a traditional tourist assortment - accessories for beach holiday, colorful ceramic bowls and plates, local wine and cheese “kashkaval”, as well as leather goods. Cosmetics based on rose oil are very popular - from handmade soap to creams and oil perfumes. Also, jam is also made from the petals of the Bulgarian rose, and this delicacy can also be a great gift. Have free time: shops in resorts and large shopping centers are usually open from 9.00 to 22.00.

Kitchen

Arriving on vacation in Bulgaria, you should try the famous Shopska salad with fresh vegetables and cheese, hot bean soup and cold soup “tarator”, puff pastry “banitsa” with various fillings, meat stew “guvech”, dolma, stuffed peppers with rice, traditional raw smoked sausage and, of course, sour-milk products. Restaurants serving Bulgarian cuisine in an authentic setting are called “mehana”.

From alcoholic drinks in Bulgaria, various variations of rakia, refreshing liqueur Menta Cave, anise mastic and local wines are popular. Of the sweets, Turkish delight, sweets made in Plovdiv, ice cream and frozen yogurt with local honey or jam are especially good.

Transport

You can get from one city to another in Bulgaria by train or, which is cheaper, by bus. You can buy tickets at the bus station and on the bus itself. Timetables are usually available at stops. In order to avoid cheating in a taxi, it is better to use official services (as a rule, they have yellow cars) and follow the meter from the moment you land. There are also domestic bus routes in major cities and resorts. The fare is 0.6-1 Bulgarian lev.

To rent a car, you need an international driver's license. Driver must be over 21 years of age. Drunk driving is a serious punishment.

life hacks

• A nod from side to side in Bulgaria means “yes”, and a nod up and down means “no”. Indigenous people have been communicating with each other for 5 centuries.
• Many restaurants and small supermarkets do not accept bank cards, so change rubles to Bulgarian leva in advance.
• You can buy a SIM card with 3 GB of Internet for 1 month in the baggage claim area at Burgas Airport. In the city, a SIM card will cost more.